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Aerial Applicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tex-Air Drone

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Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Texas Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (or agricultural spraying experience). * Schedule ... aerial systems (UAS) industry.

Lewis Services

Tree and Vegetation Specialist

Rutland, VT · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

Ability to perform work at heights and use climbing gear or aerial lifts * Ability to obtain and maintain a state-issued pesticide or herbicide applicator license * Strong commitment to safety and ...

Lewis Services

Tree and Vegetation Specialist

Claremont, NH · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Ability to perform work at heights and use climbing gear or aerial lifts * Ability to obtain and maintain a state-issued pesticide or herbicide applicator license * Strong commitment to safety and ...

Penn State University

Tree Surgeon

University Park, PA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Operate bucket truck, power spray equipment, power chain saw, aerial work platforms, backhoe ... Must possess Pennsylvania Certified Applicator License Category 6. Commercial Driver`s License (CDL ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$21 - $28.75/hr

Operate bucket truck, power spray equipment, power chain saw, aerial work platforms, backhoe ... Must possess Pennsylvania Certified Applicator License Category 6. Commercial Driver`s License (CDL ...

City of West Fargo, ND

Arborist

West Fargo, ND · On-site

$24.57 - $27.03/hr

Ability to operate, aerial lifts, chain saws, pruning tools, stump grinders, tool cats, brush ... No 02 Do you hold a North Dakota commercial pesticide applicator license? * Yes * No Required ...

Lewis Services

Groundsperson

Marietta, GA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

CPR/First Aid certification (provided by Lewis) - Herbicide applicator certification (or ability to ... Aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs * Chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chipper * Blowers, pruners ...

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How much do aerial applicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial applicator in the United States is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial applicator?

An Aerial Applicator, also known as an agricultural pilot or crop duster, is responsible for applying pesticides, fertilizers, and other treatments to crops from an aircraft. They help protect plants from pests, weeds, and diseases while covering large areas quickly and efficiently. Aerial Applicators must have specialized training, a pilot's license, and knowledge of agricultural chemicals and safety regulations. This job requires precision flying skills, attention to weather conditions, and strict adherence to environmental guidelines.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an aerial applicator?

Aerial Applicators need strong piloting skills, a valid commercial pilot’s license, and a thorough understanding of agricultural science and application methods. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, spray equipment, and relevant state or federal certifications such as agricultural aviation licenses is critical. Attention to detail, strong decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this position. These abilities are essential to ensure precise application, regulatory compliance, and the safety of both operator and environment.

What are the main challenges an aerial applicator might encounter on the job?

Aerial Applicators often work in variable weather conditions and must navigate diverse terrains, which can make each flight unique and sometimes challenging. Managing the precise application of chemicals while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations is essential and requires constant attention to detail. Additionally, coordinating with ground crews, farmers, and other agricultural professionals is a key part of the role. These challenges make adaptability and strong situational awareness important qualities for long-term success in aerial application.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Applicator jobs?

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What states have the most Aerial Applicator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerial Applicator jobs include:

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Aerial Applicator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Applicator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,089 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Tex-Air Drone

Amarillo, TX • On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

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Job description

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM


Position Overview

This is a hybrid field-and-office role—not strictly a flying job.

As a Drone Pilot & Data Specialist, you will split your time between operating commercial drones in the field and managing, processing, and delivering technical data at a workstation. We need someone with strong technical aptitude, mechanical awareness, and meticulous attention to detail who takes pride in both precision flight and clean data management.


Key Responsibilities

Field Operations & Flight Operations

  • Safely deploy professional mapping, inspection, and agricultural drones in line with FAA regulations and company SOPs.
  • Conduct preflight planning, airspace reviews, site risk assessments, and weather checks.
  • Set up RTK base stations, GNSS rovers, ground control points (GCPs), and field support equipment.
  • Capture high-quality data across multiple modalities: photogrammetry, multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, and oblique imagery.
  • Assist with agricultural spraying operations (training/licensing provided).
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, equipment maintenance records, and safety checklists.


Data Processing & Quality Control

  • Download, organize, back up, and manage large datasets using standardized file structures.
  • Process imagery and spatial data into orthomosaics, 3D point clouds, digital twins, and thermal reports.
  • Perform rigorous quality control checks (coverage, overlap, visual clarity, positioning accuracy) before client delivery.
  • Upload project deliverables to cloud platforms and client portals.
  • Continuously learn and adapt to new mapping, GIS, and processing software.


What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications:

  • Computer & Technical Skills: High proficiency with Windows systems, file management, cloud storage, and learning new software quickly.
  • Work Ethic & Mindset: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, safety-conscious, and able to work independently in the field.
  • Physical & Travel Requirements: Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to travel/overnight as needed; comfortable working outdoors in varying Texas weather conditions; ability to lift 50 lbs.
  • Screening: Must pass background, driving record, and drug screenings.

Preferred Experience & Certifications:

  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
  • Experience operating DJI enterprise or agricultural platforms.
  • Background in photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS, CAD, surveying, precision ag, or remote sensing.
  • Experience with software like PIX4D, DJI Terra, ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, or ROCK Cloud.
  • Texas Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (or agricultural spraying experience).

Schedule & Working Conditions

Field ops are driven by weather, crop cycles, and project timelines. You should expect a flexible schedule that occasionally includes early mornings, late afternoons, or overnight trips. This is a fully in-person role based in Amarillo, TX.


How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following:

  1. Updated Resume
  2. Brief cover letter highlighting your experience with drones, computers, GIS/CAD, ag, or construction.
  3. List of current certifications/licenses.
  4. Your target compensation and start availability.

Tex-Air Drone LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

About Us
Based in Amarillo, Texas, Tex-Air Drone LLC delivers high-precision aerial and terrestrial data for agriculture, construction, energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure. Our work spans everything from agricultural spraying and multispectral imaging to thermal inspections, LiDAR, and 3D digital-twin development.
We are seeking a dependable, tech-savvy professional to join our team and build a long-term career in the fast-growing geospatial and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.